One wrong item in recycling bin could see a lorry load rejected

The week runs from 17-23 October and its aim is for people to ‘get real’ about recycling by focusing on three common questions: ‘Does my recycling really make a difference?

‘One item in the bin can’t hurt, can it? Recycling is so confusing, isn’t it?’

Mrs Norman-Ross said the campaign is aimed at providing information and insight to answer these questions and to show that everyone can make a difference by recycling given the good it does in terms of saving energy, reducing carbon emissions and preserving resources.

‘The island has a great track record as far as recycling goes, but by getting our recycling right we can also have a greater impact,’ she said.

‘One wrong item in the recycling bin from each of us could make a whole lorry load unrecyclable.’

Contamination in blue bags was the biggest concern due to food containers not being emptied or washed out properly, she said.

‘One message that has always been important to us is that with recycling, it’s not just about quantity,’ said Mrs Norman-Ross.

‘Quality also counts, and because islanders have been so good in the past, we’ve always been able to secure markets for our materials.’

n This week St James will be turning green to join other well-known buildings across Northern Ireland and England to raise awareness of recycling.

n Anyone who has questions or would like further information can go to www.gov.gg/recycling, email recycle@gov.gg or call 221234.